In a chromium-colored blossom
A son was rising from the father's
Fist; he was yawning while he reached
Under his pillow for his gun.

Applause is burning in the night's
Heat like fire on the skin.
Bodyguards shooting at
Paparazzi.

The streets were writing a mixture
Of dreams and mania in the lines
Of history; kids stole the words
Before publication.

The language of the heart glows
In a grandfather's mood on a
Bridge between moon and sun;
Consisting of heat and cold.

I’m riding on a carousel
I didn’t buy a ticket for.
Each horse’s harness represents
A non-life-ending malady.

The ride will not come to an end
And spins too fast for jumping off,
But I can carefully switch mounts
To ride on something different.

A gilded stallion paws the air
On the far side of the circle
But I can’t manage to get there-
Something’s always in my way.

I can’t get past the Tiger mount
With it’s angry rasping throat
Or by the zebra with a broken foot
To ride the healthy Courser.

I inch my way by the dappled mare
And dare not tough her bridle.
Spotted I already am
And I want to ride a Mustang.

The ride has gone on far too long
I’ve ridden half the Ponies
I haven’t gained the mount I want.
An aged gelding’s all that’s left.

So I’ll ride it ’til the music ends
And the carousel stops turning
I’ll stumble off and turn to face
The fate that I’ve been learning.
ljm

We wait outside long closed electric doors

    
        At last, you take my hand, you cloud-float up
        
            Hospital gown draped over a balloon

                Oxygen mask string dangles, now relaxed

                    Its work is over, I still hold your hand

                        My heels lift slightly, I still hold your hand

                            I can’t come with you; time for letting go,

                                We smile, you float -- drip, tape, and bandage free


My toes have never left their asphalt base

My dearest dream,
    and
        I still feel your hand

I know the meaning of love
I know you say
you do too
and perhaps  you do
but
I know the meaning of love
the crying out loud of love.
the desperate despair of love
the doubt of love
the reaching out of love
the pure joy of  love
the desperation of love
the don’t do this of love
the endless hope of love
the not feeling all right of love
the wonder if this is love
the question of can this be love
the sadness of love
the screaming out of love
the tears of love
the pure joy of love
the I can’t do this anymore of love
the right of love
the wrong of love
the me in love
I know the meaning of love
I know you say
you do too
and perhaps you do.